Indian Names and Parenting

Many babies are introvert by nature whereas few others are not really shy of mingling with strangers. That’s one sign of a baby’s temperament. It is said that when a baby reaches age of 4 months, he or she begins to read people’s behavior and faces. Based on that they decide whether a stranger can be trusted or not. Many shy kids feel anxious and awkward when they see a stranger. Knowing this fact, parents should not worry about this process because it shows signs of development. It can also be understood that an anxious baby will be closer to his parents.

Kids have this amazing ability to feel what one is feeling and they are very good at mimicking one’s actions as well. If parents are reacting nicely to a stranger or welcoming him with pleasant smile then the baby is also likely to follow these traits. Parents can do their bit by telling the strangers about the shyness and anxiety of babies so that others could be more understanding of the situation.

Parents can also ask strangers about baby’s nature and ask others to give him more time so that in time, baby will start feeling more comfortable. Strangers like grandparents or other family members who are meeting the baby for the first time can gift the baby his/her favorite toy or play with things that he prefers. That way, baby will start believing in shared self-interests and will be trusting strangers soon enough. With the passage of time, baby will be quite comfortable with others and gain her own personality.

This article appeared on the Parenting Indian children blog by Kamal.

Tags: baby, parenting tips

Cost cutting tips for parents – How you can save on parenting expenses

Parenting is surely an expensive affair and you will realise that your monthly budget is not the same anymore. You now have the additional expense of a new member in the family and the whole affair is cutting into your wallet. To add on to the situation, the current recession makes it even worse, job losses and pay cuts are the order of the day. It is time to stretch your money to the last bit. That makes this article, a must read for every young parent as we are listing some useful cost cutting measures.

Parenting Tip 1: Avoid illness
Doctor bills and medicines are the most expensive items when it comes to parenting. Toddlers and children are prone to illness and infections and it is best if you can avoid situations and places which may invite diseases. Use only boiled water, avoid visiting patients/ hospitals with your kid, maintain cleanliness etc. goes a long way. Prevention is better than cure makes perfect sense now.

Parenting Tip 2: Buy stuff in bulk
Diapers, baby wipes, nappies, wet tissues, these are the items that disappear fast because of consumption and there is no way you can control it. It makes sense to buy these in bulk. Apart from the price advantage, we have seen that when you buy the same in bulk, they usually add some 10/ 20 pieces extra as free.

Parenting Tip 3: Home made baby foods
Packaged baby food and cereals are expensive but very vital for the overall nutrition of your baby. But instead of feeding your baby 4-5 times a day with the same, you can alternate it by using home made baby foods. You just need to get the right cereals and grind the same in proportion to make excellent home made baby food. Consult some elders and they will tell you the secret to make this. Remember packaged baby food is a recent invention.

Parenting Tip 4: Use the Internet
You are already paying your Internet bill, use it to the maximum. Instead of hunting the neighborhood music shop for CDs of rhymes, cartoons etc. use Video sharing sites like YouTube to play the same. Instead of buying story books, use websites that list the same. We ourselves have a good collection of moral/ bed time stories.

Tags: cost cutting, good parenting, parenting tips, parents, tips